British bred Holstein and polled no 2 for type joins Sterling Sires

British-bred Holstein and polled no 2 for type joins Sterling Sires

A British-bred Holstein bull offering £175 PLI genomic proof in combination with high scores for management and functional type traits has joined the Sterling Sires line up. Genervations True Grit (P RC) is +530kg milk with positive fat and protein percentages.

The bull scores high for calving ease, low for cell count at -14% and combines a fertility index of +2 with an overall type merit +2.92. Among sires with both genomic and daughter proofs, True Grit is currently number two polled bull in the word for type.

"His high production figures coupled with outstanding management traits mean he is a potential superstar bull with widespread appeal,'' says Paul Westaway of Sterling Sires. "'An increasing premium in the sale ring for both red and white and polled Holstein genetics add to the bull's commercial appeal."

Semen has already been exported to eight countries worldwide.

True Grit is a Sandy Valley Colt P Red son of Maplewood O Lilac VG85, a full sister of popular genomic sire Lexor. O Lilac is a Man O Man daughter from Comestar Goldwyn Lilac VG 89, herself a daughter of the original 'million dollar cow' the great Lylehaven Lila-Z EX94.

The first in the world to order semen, South West Holstein breeder Stuart Rogers has used True Grit across the board in his 300-cow Longmoor herd this Spring. ''Given his superb production, management and type figures, he is a bull who would always be widely used, but add in his polled and red carrier genes and you start to get very excited about his potential,'' explains Stuart.

''The realised conception rate greatly impressed me. Calves are due mid November and with the genomic prediction of easy calving, and great milk production I'm excited about the future stars these pregnancies may produce for my herd."